All about acne and its treatments

Small imperfections, opened pores, too much shininess make life miserable for many of us. Why aren’t we all the same when facing these problems, how do they come about and how can we be rid of them? We have complied a summarising synthesis here of current solutions, of things that can be done on a daily basis to those treatments of a more serious genre (under strict medical control).

Whatever the age, acne occurs as a result of an obstruction in the sebaceous glands (producers of sebum) and the arrival of lesions: blackheads, infected spots… A multitude of treatments, medical and not, exist for acne, very often with disappointing results, and sometimes severe treatment requirements. Example: Acidic Vitamin A which requires avoidance of the sun and oral antibiotic treatments.

Causes and symptoms of acne… chronogically…

Hyper seborrhoea

During adolescence, a hormone called testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands. This causes them to produce an excessive quantity of sebum. It is this sebum which, once evacuated by the hair shaft, makes the skin shiny.

Hyperkeratosis

Cells, in the hair shaft duct, can accumulate and can form a blockage, thus preventing the release of sebum. A blackhead or a micro cyst (a whitehead) is then formed.

Bacterial contamination

The blockage then becomes the target of bacteria naturally present on the skin. The latter will proliferate and feed on this blockage.

Inflammation

It is the worsening of the blockage which causes irritation and inflammation. These two phenomena lead to the formation of the red and painful acne pimple.

Treatment inventory

Here, we have drawn up our collection of existing acne, white head and blackhead treatments. This document is a synthesis of existing solutions. We do not assert its exhaustiveness of available treatments. We aim to present you with the various alternatives proposed by what is known as traditional medicine, as well as non-medicinal treatments which address the problems skin imperfections with mixed to greasy skin.

Our derma-cosmetic laboratory offers a totally new non-pharmaceutical response: The Akno Natura® range. A treatment for acne which is undeniably successful. All active ingredients of the Akno Natura® range are plant-based, biological, i.e. 100% natural treatments against acne and spots. It can act as an alternative to medicinal treatment or be used complementarily with it, (consult your dermatologist). Its excellent results and its ease of use have made it an ever increasing choice by people suffering from skin imperfections (light to moderate forms). Our synthesis of current treatments:

Benzoyl Peroxide - external application for spots

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical molecule. Discovered in 1856, it was first used in the plastics industry. Since 1965, this molecule has been used in medicine against light to moderate acne. Action: Primarily bactericidal (no proven action on sebaceous secretions, very weak comedolytic action). Form: Gel, lotion, pad or cream, various concentrations (1 to 10%), according to the severity of the acne. Disadvantages: Usage (discolouration risks for hair and clothing), no exposure to the sun and UV rays allowed, not to be used on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline. Principal risks: 1 out of 4 patients on average develop irritations, or even erythema and peeling. 5% develop contact eczema.

Zinc - oral ingestion, important the fight against acne

Zinc is a natural trace element. Its anti-inflammatory action can be beneficial to fighting acne. It does not, however, have a proven, significant comedolytic, anti-bacterial or anti-seborrheic action. It is used, therefore, complementarily with a local treatment. Usage: Orally, in various concentrations, without prescription. Risks: Digestive disorders in ½, abstain if allergic to gluten. Principal commercial names: Effizinc®, Rubozinc®. Our own Akno Natura capsules contain the essential zinc supplement together with vitamins, a comprehensive organic treatment.

Antibiotics in local or general applications against severe acne

Antibiotics can treat acne effectively. However, the treatments are harsh, often constraining and prescribed in severe cases of acne and after initially having had tried other less serious solutions. Usage: Antibiotics can be treated locally (lotions, creams or gels) or taken orally. Avoid: Pregnant women and young children. Disadvantages: Users must not expose themselves to the sun and UV rays, or use on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline. Risks: Headaches, tiredness and redness. Importantly, these treatments are effective but often require permanent follow-up treatment, over many years, and must imperatively be stopped in the event of trying for a baby.

Orally: Beware of possible digestive disorders. Those allergic to cyclines should abstain.

Retinoids (local or oral) combat acne and spots

The interesting properties of Vitamin A recently led (1982) to the synthesis of its chemical derivatives in order to obtain even more effective products. They are retinoid or tretinoin acid, the 13-cis-retinoid acid or isotretinin and acitretin. Some of its known commercial products are Roaccutane® (oral) or Accutane® and Soriatane® (local). Adapalene is also a retinoid derivative. The retinoids are reserved for the treatment of severe acne which has resisted other treatments.

Warning: Severe problems of intolerance, allergies and side effects ranging from serious to life-threatening. This set of symptoms is sometimes called retinoic acid syndrome.

Retinoids are generally prescribed in serious and evolutionary stages, and only when the less constraining solutions have failed. Usage: These antibiotics can be used locally in the form of lotions, creams or gels or taken orally. Principal danger: Teratogenic effect. Not to be used if you are pregnant. The time lapse between the end of the treatment and a pregnancy would be one year. You should also avoid retinoids if you are breastfeeding. Neurosensory risks: Cephalgias, intracranial hypertension, anxiety, depression in particular with oral Tretinoin. Disadvantages: Users must not expose themselves to the sun and UV rays, nor use them on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline.

If you are allergic to cyclines, excessive amounts of Vitamin A or lipids in your blood: Avoid retinoids. Principal commercial names: Locally: Airol®, Differin®, Retin-A®; Orally: Roaccutane® New synthetic retinoids currently being tested, primarily for the treatment of severe acne: Tazaroten (Zorac®), preparation already in use for treating psoriasis.

Hormone treatments against acne (reserved for women)

The best known, Diane 35, is an anti-acne medicine reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed. It is not initially a contraceptive, even though under regular gynaecological care, it is a reliable method of contraception. You will also find its generic counterparts: Lumalia, Holgyem, Minerva and Evepar in various countries. This medicine is composed of two ingredients: Cyproteron and Ethinylestradiol. Cyproteron is known as an anti-androgen, and Ethinylestradiol belongs to the estrogen group. Warning, this final defence against severe acne can have many negative effects, some of which disappear over time. Such a decision should be taken carefully.

This medicine is formally not advised in particular in the following situations: • Heavy vaginal bleeding • Trying for a baby or in the primary stages of pregnancy. Important: Seek urgent medical care if you notice abnormal pain in the chest, groin or leg (especially calf), stomach or abdomen, intense or sudden headaches. Note: "Canada Health" has recommended new, wide restrictions with regard to Diane 35. > For more, click here.

Acne scars: laser and skin peels

At the latest American Academy of Dermatology conference, it was discussed that laser offers new possibilities in the treatment of scarring acne today. A study on 14 patients underlined the effectiveness of the "YAG" laser which, “without anesthesia, permits a noticeable improvement in the skin’s appearance”.

This treatment is not the only way though. Various techniques, all within the competency of specialists include: Cryotherapy, exfoliation, peeling, dermabrasion using rotating grinding stones etc.

In all cases, treatment of acne scars by intervention is only considered when the disease is no longer present or recurring.

Alternatives to medicinal treatments

These alternatives are natural.

AKNO NATURA®…. naturally: The latest innovation of the "Mascareignes Laboratories®,” Akno Natura® Complex is an organic, biological treatment, 100% and exclusively derived from rare plants and their derivatives, whose remarkable medicinal properties have been known since the dawn of time by ethno-pharmacology.

The first results are visible in as early as 3 days and 20 or so days for skin that is healthy and regenerated (in over 75% of cases in our clinical studies under French and European approval).

The Akno Natura® range seems, for us, to be the most natural and effective solution against light to moderate acne, adult acne and small spots.There are no known risks with plants, unlike antibiotics or medicines of chemical origin.

Natural Vitamin A Our body naturally produces the necessary quantity of Vitamin A, from, for example, the beta-carotene found in plants, such as carrots and fruits. This type of vitamin is healthy and does not bring about side effects that chemically derived Vitamin A can, like retinoids (described above). Your body regulates the transformation of the beta-carotene into Vitamin A depending on your skin’s needs. Include a good percentage of the following in your diet: Carrot, melon, apricot, yellow peach or mango (carotenes).

Akno Complex presentation

http://www.naturalskinremedy.com/acne_spots_treatment_Complex.html

Akno Natura Regulating Complex

Skin scrub, regenerating and sebum controlling

Acne, spots treatment to get rid of skin imperfections

A recognised treatment, our moussing Akno Natura Regulating Complex is the first essential step to tackling combination or greasy skin, sensitive to spots, acne or imperfections.

A 3 in 1 solution with incomparable results

Exfoliating and renewing: Stimulates skin cell regeneration. Encourages the elimination of dead cells which block pores, thanks to its natural, exfoliating micro beads and the use of the provided loofah to scrub off the impurities.

Peeling agent: Full of lipid-rich structures, removing the accumulated sebum.

Balancing: Maintains the balance of the skin flora and protects against external aggressions.

Visible results within days of application.

Akno Complex USE

1. Apply a measuring spoon of Akno Natura® to the loofah provided. 2. Wet all over with water. 3. Pat lightly onto the skin to create foam. You will obtain very soft, white and velvety mousse which will dissolve into the skin as the active ingredients penetrate (approx. 30 seconds). Avoid eye area. Rinse with cold or tepid water. All finished!

Akno Natura® Complex is applied once a day, preferably in the evening for a more effective action (the skin is better regenerating at night while sleeping).

In in-between periods, or in remission, apply 2-3 evenings (minimum) a week to avoid the reappearance of lesions.

Work hygienically, before applying Akno Natura®, wash your hands and nails carefully. Always use the provided measuring spoon to scoop the product. After using Akno Natura® Complex, don’t forget to moisturise, ideally with Akno Natura® Sebum Control Cream.